Foreign officials convene to study SZ's recipe for success

Video and photos by Lin Songtao

Nearly 30 foreign officials from African and Asian countries gathered in Futian District yesterday for the opening of The Seminar on the Development Experience of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, eager to explore how the city’s rapid growth could inspire development back home.

Oganizers and participants of the Seminar on the Development Experience of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone pose for a group photo in Futian yesterday. 

The seminar, which runs until Sept. 9, features not only presentations by Chinese government officials and experts but also field visits to leading local companies and cultural exchange activities.

Ulugbek Azimov (holding a microphone), from Uzbekistan, speaks during the Seminar on the Development Experience of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, which opened in Futian District yesterday.

In his speech during the opening ceremony, Philip Akunda Etale, communication director of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement political party, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. He emphasized his hope to enhance capabilities, expand networks, and gain knowledge that will contribute to solving development challenges and boosting economic growth.

Madi Kambai, director of Industrial and Economic Zones at the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency, said he hopes to draw from Shenzhen’s experience to accelerate the development of industrial and economic zones in the Gambia.

“Before coming to Shenzhen, I researched the city’s background. I learned it used to be a small fishing village and [is] now an economic powerhouse — especially in high-tech industries. I am truly amazed by its development,” Kambai shared.

Southinah Mmatsebe Matlala, assistant director of the City of Johannesburg, shares her insights during the seminar.

Southinah Mmatsebe Matlala, assistant director of the City of Johannesburg, said she aims to learn how Shenzhen sustained its growth over the years and retained investments.

“Through this training, we want to understand how Shenzhen keeps investors attracted. We hope to learn how to maintain our current investors and prevent them from migrating to other cities like Cape Town. We are trying to resuscitate our city,” Matlala explained.

For many officials, this was their first visit to Shenzhen. The city’s futuristic landscape left a strong impression. Matlala noted, “Sometimes you see futuristic cities in movies and think they aren’t real, but now I’m seeing it with my own eyes in Shenzhen. The city is both beautiful and highly developed.”

“I'm impressed with Shenzhen, as this is my first time here. The development I have seen, the infrastructure, and the technological advancement are amazing. We can learn from this. It inspires us by showing that you can start from nothing and still go far — so long as you have the passion, commitment, and energy to make it happen," said Etale.

After the opening ceremony, seminar participants visited the newly opened downtown duty-free shop at the UpperHills shopping mall, Futian District, which opened Tuesday.

Seminar participants browse cosmetic products at the newly opened duty-free shop in the UpperHills shopping mall.

The seminar was sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce and organized by the Shenzhen Association for Promoting International Economic & Technological Cooperation.